Mangaluru: Renowned athlete and Olympian P T Usha on Sunday made a strong pitch for greater parental encouragement for girl children to pursue sports, stressing that early identification and nurturing of talent at the grassroots level is crucial for India’s sporting success. Speaking at a girls’ athletics talent identification camp held at the Mangala Stadium, she said consistent family support can make the difference between potential and podium finishes.
Ms. Usha, founder of the Usha School of Athletics, was present to oversee the camp organised in association with the Infosys Foundation and the GoSports Foundation. The programme was conducted under the banner of “Gear for Gold”, an initiative aimed at strengthening India’s sports ecosystem through structured talent development.
The one-day camp witnessed participation from around 500 girl athletes between the ages of 11 and 14, drawn from the region and neighbouring areas. The trials focused on assessing overall athletic ability through a series of standardised physical and skill-based tests designed to identify raw talent at an early stage.
Focus on grassroots talent development
Addressing athletes, parents and coaches at the venue, Ms. Usha emphasised that India’s future in international sports depends on how effectively talent is spotted and groomed at the grassroots. She pointed out that in many families, serious support for sport comes only after athletes begin winning medals.
“In many cases, recognition and encouragement come only after success is visible. By then, several years are already lost,” she said. “Talent must be identified early and nurtured with the right guidance, facilities and continuous encouragement if athletes are to excel at national and international levels.”
She urged parents to view sports as a viable and respectable career option for their daughters rather than treating it as a hobby. According to her, girl athletes often face additional social and cultural barriers that limit their access to professional training and exposure to competitive environments.
Clear pathway for selected athletes
Explaining the structure of the talent identification programme, Ms. Usha said that athletes selected from the trials will advance to the final round of selection at the Usha School of Athletics in Kinalur, Kerala, in February. She added that similar camps will be organised in Madurai on January 31 and Vijayawada on February 7 as part of a nationwide scouting effort.
“We want to reach children from different parts of the country. Talent is not limited to big cities or established academies,” she said. “Our aim is to create equal opportunities for young athletes, irrespective of their background.”
Athletes who clear the final selection process will be inducted into a residential training programme at the academy. Based on their progress and performance, some may be offered full-time training, which includes professional coaching, academic support and competition exposure.
Inspiration from personal experience
Recalling her own journey, Ms. Usha said her achievements were possible only because of the unwavering support she received from her parents. Coming from a modest background, she said family encouragement played a crucial role during the early stages of her career.
“I was fortunate that my parents believed in me even when there were no guarantees of success,” she said. “That belief gave me confidence and strength during difficult times.”
She observed that many promising athletes discontinue sports due to lack of support, financial challenges or societal pressure. Initiatives such as this camp, she said, are designed to bridge that gap by providing structured systems to identify and nurture young talent.
‘Gear for Gold’ initiative
Launched in October 2022, the “Gear for Gold” programme aims to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem by focusing on academies, coaches and infrastructure. The initiative places special emphasis on early talent identification and holistic athlete development.
Organisers said the programme goes beyond physical training and includes nutrition planning, injury prevention and recovery, mental conditioning, competition exposure and overall well-being. The long-term objective is to create a sustainable pipeline of athletes capable of representing India at the highest level.
Representatives from the Infosys Foundation and the GoSports Foundation noted that investing in young athletes during their formative years is key to long-term sporting success. They added that partnerships with experienced sportspersons and academies help ensure quality training and mentorship.
Encouraging response from participants
The strong turnout of young athletes reflected growing interest among girls in athletics and competitive sports. Coaches involved in the assessments said the trials revealed encouraging levels of athletic potential and enthusiasm.
Parents accompanying the participants said the interaction with Ms. Usha was motivating for both children and families. Many expressed hope that such initiatives would help normalise sports as a serious pursuit for girls and open doors to professional opportunities.
Conclusion
The athletics camp reinforced the importance of early intervention, parental support and structured training in shaping future champions. Ms. Usha’s message resonated strongly with participants and parents alike: with timely encouragement and the right ecosystem, young girls across the country can transform raw talent into sporting excellence.